Regional Issues - Northeast Region

This page lists regional airspace issues for Boston Center, ZBW; New York Center, ZNY; Cleveland Center, ZOB; and Washington Center, ZDC. Notices, restrictions, and advisories may change at any time and without notice. Do not attempt any operation in the National Airspace System without first obtaining and understanding a thorough pre-flight briefing.

Latest News and TRACON, FAA Center & Airport Notices:

Plans in Place for increased Traffic at Washington, DC-Area Airports for InaugurationDec. 6, 2016Plans are underway to handle the expected increased air traffic Jan. 20-22, 2017, which will be associated with the upcoming presidential inauguration in Washington, DC. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) will have departure slot requirements to be obtained through FBOs. Business aviation access to DCA is limited to participants in the DCA Access Standard Security Program. Learn more.

FAA Withdraws NY/NJ Airport Slot Proposal Ensuring Flexibility for Business AviationMay 18, 2016The FAA recently withdrew a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would have reduced unscheduled operations at New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) and New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International (EWR) airports. The withdrawal of this NPRM, combined with the FAA’s recent re-designation of EWR as a Level 2 schedule-facilitated airport under the International Air Transport Association worldwide slot guidelines, means greater flexibility at EWR for business aircraft operators. Read more about the NPRM.

NTSB Safety Seminar to Focus on ATC in Washington, DC AirspaceNov. 24, 2015NBAA is encouraging business aircraft pilots who fly in airspace near Washington, DC to attend an upcoming NTSB safety seminar focusing on air traffic control and general aviation. The event will be held Dec. 12 at the agency's training center in Ashburn, VA. The free seminar will provide an opportunity to hear from local FAA air traffic controllers about policies and procedures necessary to navigate the complex airspace around the Washington, DC terminal area. "Every pilot can benefit from better understanding local procedures and learning more efficient ways to navigate complex and busy airspace in which they regularly fly," said Doug Carr, NBAA’s vice president of regulatory and international affairs. Learn more about the NTSB seminar.

TRACON Radar Outage Will Affect Cape Cod ATC Services Through March 2016Oct. 6, 2015The Cape TRACON ASR-8 surveillance radar will be out of service from Oct. 13 until March 13, 2016, the FAA announced. Backup systems, the Nantucket ASR-9 and the Boston Center Radar Presentation off the North Truro radar site (CENRAP), will cover the TRACON’s airspace during the outage. Radar coverage provided by the backup systems will affect operations in the Cape TRACON airspace. Pilots can expect increased separation between aircraft, limited services to all aircraft and the potential for limited approvals for practice instrument approaches. Also, traffic advisories will not be available to aircraft not equipped with transponders or, in some areas, those flying below 2,000 feet. Learn more about the outage.

Papal Visit to Northeast U.S. Planned for September, TFRs ExpectedJuly 23, 2015The Vatican has announced travel plans for Pope Francis to visit three U.S. cities in September. The pope is scheduled to visit Washington, DC, New York and Philadelphia Sept. 22 to 27, and temporary flight restrictions, similar to what operators see for the president, will be likely in all three cities. NBAA will provide specific details as they become available. Learn more.

Next Phase of Washington, DC Metroplex Airspace Changes Being ImplementedJune 26, 2015The FAA implemented the next phase of the Washington, DC Metroplex effort on June 25. New and revised SIDs are being implemented at Ronald Regan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Andrews AFB (ADW), Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) and Thurgood Marshall Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). Of particular interest to business aviation are two new RNAV SIDs at HEF. "These will have top altitudes published on the procedure that should greatly help with the issues of altitude busts that they have been experiencing at this airport," noted Rich Boll, chairman of the Airspace, ATC and Flight Technologies Working Group of the NBAA Access Committee. Read more about changes to the Washington, DC Metroplex airspace.

Changes Coming to Airspace Around Washington, DC on March 5March 4, 2015The second stage of FAA's new plan for redesigning the airspace around Washington, D.C. goes live March 5, with 57 procedural designs that include 50 RNAV STARS/SIDS, seven Air Traffic Service routes and 13 airspace alterations. FAA cautions that, for up to two weeks after the implementation of the DCA Metroplex changes, it may issue traffic management initiatives for traffic arriving into the Washington, DC area as a means of dealing with transitional factors. Read more about the changes coming to the Washington, DC area.

Extensive Airspace Reconfigurations Coming Nov. 13Nov. 10, 2014One of the biggest airspace reconfigurations ever undertaken in North America is underway. Called the Windsor/Toronto/Montreal (WTM)/Northeast U.S. Airspace Redesign, it will affect just about every route, departure and approach between Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Cleveland, OH and Boston, MA. Building on experience gained through the redesign of the airspace over Houston and Dallas,TX, the FAA is partnering with Nav Canada for this latest redesign, which goes into effect with the next chart cycle on Thursday, Nov. 13. Listen to this week's NBAA Flight Plan podcast for details on these widespread airspace changes.

TFRs in Place in New York City, Sept. 17 to 30Sept. 10, 2014The FAA plans to issue temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) during the 69th United Nations General Assembly session this month in New York City. NBAA Members are strongly advised to check NOTAMS in advance of any flights in the metro New York area from Sept. 17 to 30, as the TFRs will may change from day-to-day and impact a variety of airports and heliports in the metro area. Learn more.

Westchester County Airport Localizer Upgrades ContinueJuly 25, 2014Due to an instrument landing system upgrade, Westchester County Airport (HPN), in White Plains, NY, will experience an outage of its Runway 34 localizer from July 28 through Aug. 23. During this localizer outage, operators can expect either the RNAV GPS Y or the Sound Visual to be the primary approach to Runway 34 when HPN is on a north configuration. Learn more.

New York Center Changes Flight Plan Filing Guidance During Severe WeatherJuly 14, 2014As of the severe weather season of 2014, FAA air traffic control (ATC) at New York Center has changed the way it prefers operators file their route during a severe weather avoidance plan (SWAP) event. In the past, New York Center (ZNY) has requested operators file preferred or normal routes, with the expectation that ATC (via the New York Center PIT) would provide a reroute around the convective weather. ZNY is now asking operators to file what they estimate to be the most effective route for their flight, utilizing convective forecast products and taking into consideration their business need and operational capabilities. Learn more.

Parking Reservations Required at NJ Airports, No Slots Planned for Super BowlNov. 8, 2013
Each year, accommodations must be made for all modes of transportation to and from the Super Bowl's host city – including all types of aviation traffic. Next year, the Super Bowl will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, and accordingly, parking reservations will be required at both Teterboro (TEB) and Morristown Municipal (MMU) airports. The FAA has no plans to implement a slot program through the electronic special traffic management program (e-STMP) system. Details are posted on the NBAA Super Bowl XVLIII webpage, which will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available. Review NBAA's Super Bowl resources now.

FAA Issues Notice on Improper Use of Teterboro RNAV DeparturesNov. 1, 2013
The FAA has issued a notice regarding the improper filing and acceptance of RUUDY Four departures from Teterboro Airport (TEB) by aircraft not RNAV 1 capable. The improper filing and acceptance of RUUDY Four departures at TEB by aircraft not RNAV 1 capable has contributed to an unacceptable increase in lateral and vertical pilot deviations, and increases the risk of a near mid-air collision with arrivals at Newark Liberty Airport. Learn more.

TFRs in New York Area for UN General AssemblySept. 5, 2013
The FAA plans to issue temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) during the 68th United Nations (UN) General Assembly session later this month in New York City. An FAA Flight Advisory has been released, outlining the restrictions. The first TFR, in effect from September 18 to 30, only impacts the Manhattan heliports; however, IFR operations to the heliports will be allowed. The second TFR, in effect from September 23 to 24, will prohibit GA operations at LaGuardia (LGA), but aircraft meeting the TFR requirements will be able to access Republic (FRG), Westchester County (HPN) and Teterboro (TEB) airports. During this TFR, gateway procedures will be established at FRG and Linden (LDJ) for helicopters operating to and from the Manhattan heliports. The third TFR, in effect from September 23 to 24, will provide ingress/egress procedures for traffic to and from Morristown Municipal (MMU). Finally, the fourth TFR in effect on September 23 and 24 will prohibit GA operations at JFK. Review the FAA Flight Advisory.

Trenton Mercer Airport (TTN) Runway Construction Begins Sept. 9August 28, 2013
A runway construction project at Trenton Mercer Airport (TTN) will begin on Sept. 9 and expected to continue until Nov. 8. The project includes the installation of engineered material arresting systems at both ends of Runway 6/24. During the construction, the useable length of the runway will be shortened, certain approach and lighting equipment will be unavailable, and restrictions will be imposed on aircraft using the runway, related to approach speed, aircraft weight, and wingspan. Learn more.

Significant Runway Rehabilitation Project at New York's Stewart InternationalJuly 8, 2013
A significant runway rehabilitation project begins this month at Newburgh/Stewart International Airport (SWF) and is expected to run through May 2015. The rehabilitation will include both runways and several of the taxiways. The project will focus on Runway 16/34, as well as the taxiway structure on the east end of the field, between July and December of this year. During the project there will be several operational modifications required regarding traffic flow in the aircraft movement areas. In addition, limitations on the available approaches are expected at times as navigational aids are affected by the project. Flight operators are encouraged to check the NOTAMs for the current operational constraints. Learn more about SWF.

TXKF General Aviation Departure RestrictionsJune 24, 2013
NBAA Air Traffic Services reports recent additional restrictions for general aviation aircraft trying to depart L.F. Wade International Airport (TXKF) in Hamilton, Bermuda. The constraint is due to the FAA replacement of the SSR radar located in Bermuda, which is solely used by the FAA in the ZNY ARTCC. With this outage the TXKF tower controllers are limited to the procedural ATC environment and all IFR releases are given by the controllers in ZNY. As a result of these constraints, TXKF has instituted a traffic management initiative (TMI) ground stop daily from 1600UTC to 1900UTC to all traffic departing from Aprons 2,3,4,6 (the Finger) and Parking Area PAPA, until such time as the SSR radar is returned to service, in order to help reduce delays to regularly scheduled air carrier traffic. The TMI excludes aircraft operating as medical evacuation, lifeguards and hospital flights. These constraints are expected to continue through the completion of the SSR radar replacement process, currently scheduled to be finished in early September 2013. If it is completed earlier, Air Traffic Services will let NBAA Members know that these restrictions have been lifted. For more information, contact the Bermuda DAO Airport Operations Manager at (441) 293-2470, or NBAA Air Traffic Services at ats@nbaa.org.

New RNAV Departures Coming to Boston LoganFebruary 21, 2013
In a Letter to Airmen issued last week, Boston Logan’s Air Traffic Control Tower announced expanded availability of RNAV Standard Instrument Departure Procedures (SIDs) for jet aircraft. Effective March 7, 2013, 8 new RNAV SIDs will be published and available thereby equipping each jet-departure runway on the field with an RNAV SID. Those RNAV SIDS include: BLZZR TWO, BRUWN THREE, CELTK THREE, HYLND THREE, LBSTATHREE, PATSS THREE, REVSS TWO, and SSOXS THREE. The FAA is now requesting operators and pilots to include the new RNAV SIDs and preferred route in their filed flight plans. The filed SID should be one that departs the Boston area on a route that is contained in the filed flight plan. For those aircraft unable to accept an RNAV SID, the LOGAN vector SID (identified as LOGAN SIX until March 7th) will be available.View the Letter to Airmen here (PDF, 342 KB).

Massachusetts Long-Range Transportation Plan Calls for Investment in GAJanuary 18, 2013The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) recently unveiled a 10-year plan that includes $125 million for maintenance and safety improvements at community airports in the Bay State over the next decade. The report, titled "The Way Forward: A 21st Century Transportation Plan," notes that MassDOT "is fostering the development of our general aviation airport network, including the groundbreaking for a new Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation hangar at Westfield-Barnes Airport... and the implementation of a statewide runway safety marking project." Read more about the plan.

General Aviation Will Face Flight Limits in DC Metro Area on Inauguration DayJanuary 7, 2013
The entire aviation community will face a host of temporary flight restrictions over the Washington, DC, metro area on Jan. 21 to accommodate President Obama's second inauguration at the U.S. Capitol building. The restrictions, outlined in a four-page Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight advisory, are designed to address heightened security concerns for the swearing-in ceremony and are considered standard for such a high-profile event. The flight limits will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time and will apply to the Washington Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and the Washington Metropolitan Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ). Read more about the flight restrictions.

New Contact Information for JFK Surface Metering DeparturesOctober 17, 2012Operators are advised that departure surface flow metering procedures have been implemented at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) during peak departure periods. These procedures are designed to reduce ground congestion and reduce fuel burn. Metering procedures will be required daily between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. and between 2:00 and 10:00 p.m. local time. These times could be extended during periods of inclement weather.
When JFK is in the metering process, it will be broadcast on the ATIS. To obtain a taxi time when JFK is in the Metering process, operators should call (718) 244-3738 or (718) 244-3736.

Helicopter Route Over North Shore of Long Island Now MandatoryAugust 13, 2012
The Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC) reminds operators that effective Aug. 6, the North Shore Route is mandatory for all helicopters transiting along the north shore of New York's Long Island. The FAA mandate requires pilots to maintain an altitude of at least 2,500 feet, and the agency has developed a describing the route, altitudes and exceptions to the rule. Learn More.

New RNAV Arrivals Utilizing Optimized Profile Descents to be Implemented at IAD and DCAJuly 20, 2012The FAA will implement three new RNAV STARs for arrivals into Washington Dulles (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) beginning August 6, 2012. These new STARs will be for operations arriving the Washington area from the west. This implementation is part of the larger Washington, D.C. Optimization of Airspace and Procedures in the Metroplex (OAPM) Project and will utilize Optimized Profile Descents (OPDs) significantly reducing the number of level-offs. The GIBBZ arrival route for Dulles will include transitions off of Beckley (BKW), Charleston (HVQ) and Morgantown (MGW). The FRDMM (pronounced "Freedom") route for DCA will transition off of BUCKO. The TRUPPS (pronounced "Troops") route for DCA will include transitions off of Beckley (BKW) and Charleston (HVQ). For more information, contact NBAA Air Traffic Services at airtraffic@nbaa.org or view the New RNAV Arrivals Into IAD & DCA. (803 KB, PDF)

New Traffic and Flight Information Services Available in Cleveland, OH AreaNovember 3 , 2010
For operators flying in the Cleveland, Ohio area, several new services are now available that deliver free traffic and weather information to the cockpit. The Flight Information Service – Broadcast (FIS-B) and the Traffic Information Service – Broadcast (TIS-B) are based on Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) technology and require ADS-B capable equipment to be installed in the aircraft. The services provide a cockpit display of aviation weather and aeronautical information and aid the pilot’s visual acquisition of other air traffic. For more information, view FAA Notice NOTC2666.

New Route for Departures from IAD to Help During Convective WeatherApril 13 , 2010Due to the ongoing efforts of NBAA, a new route has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for departures out of Dulles International Airport (IAD) that are headed to southeast Florida destinations. Until now, general aviation flights have not been able to use the current preferred route because it would place them inside the Washington DC Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ). Instead these flights have been routed inland, which can be problematic on convective weather days as thunderstorms impact the route. The new route allows traffic to circumvent the FRZ and get more quickly to the offshore Atlantic Routes and then on to southeast Florida. View more information about this new route.

New Teterboro Departure Procedures Now in UseAugust 31, 2009
The FAA has implemented two new departure procedures for Teterboro Airport (TEB). Eligible RNAV-equipped airplanes will be assigned the RUUDY TWO procedure when departing Runway 24. The Teterboro Six procedure amends the routing for two of the departure waypoints. Both procedures contain altitude crossing restrictions to which operators must adhere. For the full details of the procedures, visit NBAA's TEB page.

ADIZ Familiarization Training Is Mandated for PilotsAugust 18, 2008
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a final rule that requires all pilots flying under visual flight rules within 60 nautical miles of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) very high frequency omni-directional radio range undergo the online special awareness training for the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Pilots must comply with this rule by February 9, 2009 and be able to present their certificate of completion of the course at the request of an authorized representative of the FAA, National Transportation Safety Board, TSA or any federal, state or local law enforcement officer. Read more.

FAA Letter to Airmen Outlines Updated New York Center Radio Frequencies July 10, 2008The FAA has published Letter to Airmen 08-01 regarding updated radio frequencies to be used in New York Center (ZNY) airspace for direct center-to-pilot communications. Correct frequencies are normally provided to crews upon entering ZNY; however, in the event that they are not, crews may obtain correct frequencies from this letter. The frequencies are listed by ZNY sector, and further broken down by navigational fixes in the area. Download LTA 08-01 (240KB, PDF).

Dulles Releases ATC Guide for Airport CustomersMarch 20, 2006FAA employees at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) have compiled a reference guide for users who frequently utilize the airport. This guide is intended to provide Dulles customers with general information on the procedures and policies that can be anticipated during air traffic operations both normally and during severe weather avoidance procedures (SWAP) season. The goal of IAD ATC in publishing this guide is for users to have a better understanding of how to augment safety, increase efficiency and mitigate issues that can sometimes hamper operations. IAD Air Traffic Manager Sherelle Carper commends operators for their patience and understanding during airport construction and growth phases. For more information, contact the NBAA GA Desk at gadesk@nbaa.org or download the guide (4MB, PDF).

New Visual Warning System for DC ADIZUpdated May 27, 2005The National Capital Region visual warning system (VWS) became operational on May 21, 2005. The VWS is a ground-based system that uses low-level beams of alternating red and green lights designed to alert pilots that they have violated the Washington, DC air defense identification zone (ADIZ) or flight restricted zone (FRZ). Pilots who are seeing this signal should immediately contact ATC on an appropriate local frequency or 121.5/243.0 and exit the ADIZ airspace. This system is only being implemented in the Washington, DC area; pilots who observe laser activity elsewhere should follow the procedures outlined in FAA Advisory Circular 70-2, Reporting of Laser Illumination of Aircraft. More.